EA Introduces New Plot-Based Sims Stories

Representatives from Electronic Arts has announced The Sims Stories, an entirely new line of games in the Sims franchise, featuring a new chapter-based story mode that focuses in on the lifetimes of particular characters. The first of this new line-up will be The Sims Life Stories, which introduces the new story mode with a romantic comedy plot about lead characters Riley Harlow and Vincent Moore, which EA promises will be filled with romance, intrigue and dramatic twists. Though entirely a stand-alone product which doesn't support recent Sims or Sims 2 expansion packs, the Stories line-up does include a 'classic' mode, which plays in an open-ended way similar to the original Sims titles. Electronic Arts is also quick to note that the new Sims Stories line-up has been redesigned to be as laptop-friendly as possible, featuring new and simpler shortcuts, and an auto-pause feature new to the franchise that lets you start and stop your game when opening and closing your laptop. The Sims Stories is just the first in the new Stories lineup, with The Sims Pet Stories -- which invites Sims to care for and train pets -- and The Sims Castaway Stories -- in which Sims explore and create a new life on a deserted island -- scheduled to ship in summer of 2007 and winter of 2008, respectively. Said Sims Division vice president head of studio Rod Humble, “Everyone loves a good story. The Sims Life Stories gives players two wonderful romantic comedies to enjoy. For those who are interested in The Sims, The Sims Stories are accessible and fun for everyone.”